New Review Questions Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for Patients

A recent review of research spanning 15 years has cast doubt on the effectiveness of medical cannabis for treating conditions such as pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Published in the medical journal JAMA, the analysis highlights that the evidence supporting the benefits of cannabis is often weak or inconclusive. This comes at a time when cannabis is now legal for medical use in 40 states across the United States, with millions of patients seeking relief through its use.

According to Dr. Michael Hsu, an addiction psychiatrist and clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the lead author of the review, “The evidence does not support the use of cannabis or cannabinoids at this point for most of the indications that folks are using it for.” The review indicates that nearly 30 percent of medical cannabis patients meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, raising concerns about the potential for misuse.

The research was conducted by addiction experts from academic medical centers across the United States, who examined over 2,500 clinical trials, guidelines, and surveys primarily performed in the U.S. and Canada. Their findings reveal a significant discrepancy between public expectations for cannabis and the results of scientifically rigorous studies.

Understanding Cannabis and Its Medical Applications

The review distinguishes between medical cannabis, which is sold at dispensaries, and pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids. The latter includes approved medications such as Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet, which have demonstrated effectiveness in specific medical conditions. These medications contain either low-grade THC, a psychoactive compound, or CBD, a non-intoxicating compound. They have proven beneficial in alleviating nausea associated with chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in patients with debilitating illnesses such as H.I.V./AIDS, and managing certain pediatric seizure disorders.

Despite the rising acceptance of cannabis, the review indicates that many healthcare providers lack a comprehensive understanding of its applications. A review from 2021 noted that only 33 percent of clinicians globally felt confident in their knowledge of medical cannabis, while 86 percent expressed a need for further education on the topic.

Pain relief remains one of the leading reasons people seek medical cannabis. Yet, the review found no substantial evidence indicating that cannabis alleviates acute pain. The 2024 guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology further emphasize the lack of sufficient evidence supporting cannabis for cancer-related pain management.

The findings of this review arrive against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding cannabis industry, now valued at $32 billion. As more individuals turn to cannabis for relief, the necessity for solid scientific backing becomes increasingly critical. The gap between public perception and clinical evidence underscores the importance of further research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its derivatives.

As discussions around medical cannabis continue to evolve, healthcare professionals and patients alike are encouraged to consider the current evidence and remain informed about the benefits and limitations of cannabis use.